Preparation and application of stabilized iron nanoparticles for dechlorination of chlorinated hydrocarbons in soils, sediments, and ground water

Abstract

A stabilized, chemically reactive, metallic nano-material effective for degradation of chlorinated organic compounds in soils, sediments and groundwater. The nano-material is composed of a magnetic metal nanoparticle and a carbohydrate stabilizer bound to the nanoparticle. The preferred metal nanoparticle is iron and the preferred carbohydrate stabilizer is either a starch or a water soluble cellulose such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The nanoparticle may be either mono-metallic, bi-metallic or multi-metallic in nature, but is preferably bi-metallic wherein it is coated with a secondary catalytic metal coating, preferably palladium. A method of making the metallic nano-material is further disclosed wherein a solution of the metal nanoparticle and carbohydrate stabilizer is prepared, and the nanoparticle is then reduced under inert conditions. A process for reductive dechlorination of chlorinated organic compounds is also disclosed wherein the reduced magnetic metal nanoparticle is prepared, and then contacted with a chlorinated organic compound to dechlorinate the compound. Preferably, the nano-material is injected into a site such as soil subsurface or groundwater contaminated with a chlorinated organic compound to provide in-situ dechlorination.